Colombia Book

An overview of the South American nation of Colombia that includes information on its geography, history, government, lifestyles, language, customs, and current issues.

Children's Literature

Part of the "Countries of the World" series, this book begins with "An Overview of Columbia" that encapsulates the country's geography, history, government, economy, people, language, literature, arts, food, leisure activities and festivals. The second section takes "A Closer Look at Columbia." It focuses on the Paez Indians and the Afro-Colombians, the Carnival of Barranquilla and two unique festivals--The Day of the Blacks and The Day of the Whites. Botero's art and the writings of Gabo--the first Colombian to receive a Nobel Prize--are profiled. This section also includes greater detail on Colombia's bullfight program, indigenous butterflies, emeralds, coffee and the cities of Cartagena and Bogotá. The final section explores Columbia's "Relations with North America" from the 1940s to the present. It looks at Americans living in Colombia as well as Colombians living in America and their mark on American society. In addition to a glossary of Spanish and English vocabulary and a reference list of books, videos and web sites, this text contains an unlabeled, black and white map of Columbia that can reproduced for classroom or individual use. 1999, Gareth Stevens Publishing, Ages 9 up, $26.60. Reviewer: Ellen R. Braaf